Klekamp Family Training Center Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio

Project Description:

Xavier University opened the Cintas Center in 2000 to create a large-scale facility that would house sports, student services, conferences and meeting areas. Boasting a top men’s basketball program, Xavier had a strong need on campus for the program to stay relevant and competitive. Initially, practice space was limited to a single gym area, but was shared with all sports programs. To be able to meet competitive goals and to have a facility that would attract top recruits, the university decided to construct a new practice facility.

Klekamp Family Training Center embodies the vision of allowing young athletes to further develop physiucally and mentally in a beautifully crafted, safe space. Situated on the north side of the Cintas Center on Xavier’s campus, the addition features a sleek wood practice court where athletes can refine their skills, a state-of-the-art fitness area to keep them in peak condition, and an expanded strength and conditioning zone to maximize their athletic potential.

The original building is a steel frame with solid precast cladding and minimal openings — simply a very functional container for the performance housed inside. The new facility emerged as an opportunity to create an iconic element to the north side of the Cintas Center, with a high level of transparency that would contrast with the existing concrete box and showcase the high-profile athletic program inside.

The Klekamp Center was elevated above the adjacent parking lot to connect directly to the player training level and provide exterior views to the trees beyond. The result is a feeling of being in the air and playing in the park.